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I'm Shay! I’m a cookbook author, lifestyle blogger, travel agency owner, wife and mama who loves making every day special for my family.

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Mix & Match Mama

Everyday Life, Life Lately ·

Life lately.


Hey there Thursday.

Here’s a little look at life lately…

I ran errands with this one last week.  I had tacos for lunch, she had nuggets and we both agreed not to tell Ashby that she had been carrying around her mermaid all day long.

Two sweet girls on our way out the door.  Ashby had a hard week last week…but she was still all smiles.

For their 100th day of school, the first grade had to make a shirt (or something else to wear) with 100 things on it.  Smith had a vision: he needed a white tee and puff paint.  I kind of wanted to micromanage the situation…but he handled it himself (with the help of Andrew) and was so proud when he was done!

I love this boy.

On Friday afternoon, Andrew was still out of town snowboarding, so I took the kids to get the big girls’ hair  cut along with pizza after.  Miss Ashby is waiting for her turn…

…Miss Madeley was saying “cheese” really hard.  She and Smith waited while the other two got fresh new dos.

She was so excited to get her hair cut!

Love this one too.

Showing off their hair as we walked to the pizza place down the street.

The next morning…she had a sassy new do and a sassy new tee.  It says “I love you more than cupcakes…almost”.  Ha!  I found it on Etsy!

In-between basketball games on Saturday morning, they were all piling into the car as we listened to the Trolls soundtrack for the 100th time.  I laughed because if you would have told me way back when I was a senior in high school at an NSYNC concert that I’d still be listening to Timberlake 17 years later but in a big old mom car full of kids, I would have thought no way. 🙂

This is the face of a HAPPY girl!  I woke up at 4:30 on Sunday morning just so I could finish the last episode of One Tree Hill in peace.

Amen.

It’s done.

I feel like someone should hand me a diploma or certificate for finishing.

Here are my thoughts (without giving anything away): It was 9 seasons but kind of felt like two completely different shows. The first portion felt like one show and the second portion felt like a completely new show.  There were some character changes that I did not enjoy…but I learned to love the new boys but not so much the new girls.  I absolutely LOVED how it ended.  All series should take notes from the ending of OTH because they went out beautifully.  Whew!  I started it at the end of October…so, I’m happy to be done.  Now…Erika and Meagan are making me watch Gossip Girl.

I’ve told you before how my kids have naturally sort of paired off.  I really was not expecting this to happen like it has.  On Monday afternoon, Kensington and Madeley were playing on the driveway together (they adore each other!!!) and then inside…

…Smith was helping Ashby put together a toy.  If you know my kids, then these pairs make perfect sense based on their little personalities.  I just love watching these little relationships unfold.  It’s such an unexpected little part of having four.

I was watching Kensington play basketball outside the back door.  Dance top, check.  Yoga pants, check.  Leopard wedge booties, check.  A girl who marches to her own beat, check, check, check.  This girl does her own unique thing and I love it :).

Meanwhile, Smith and Ashby invented a game using magnetic shapes, pennies and two spoons…

…and they can’t stop playing 😉 .

Those middle kids 🙂 .

That’s a little life lately.

See you tomorrow!

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Comments

  1. Heather Bramelett says

    So sweet! I think it’s so neat how they paired off!
    Trolls has been on repeat over here, too!
    It’s bad when I bust out in ‘I got this feeling inside my bones’ with no kids around! #momlife

  4. Audrey says

    Your kids are so precious! Do you film them as well? Just wondering, because being able to watch back moments are such great treats!

  5. Lauren says

    Super cute kids!! Enjoy Gossip girl…it’s my all time favorite show! Believe it or not, you will end up loving Chuck at the end 😉

    • Erika Slaughter says

      Yes!!!! Chuck was my favorite character! And Shay if it helps, Meagan and I will come up with an incentive so we can talk Gossip Girl a little quicker. Hahaha!

  6. Amy Heinl says

    They are all getting so big. Love how they naturally paied off. Haircuts looked great on both girls. Looks like the treatments are working. You can really notice the improvement in her hand. Such a beautiful family

  7. Donna says

    I think this post alone should be enough to convince my husband we need at least one more kid haha… Anyway, I’m sure there are hard moments, but I love seeing the joy and love in your family!

  9. Tammy Calhoun says

    Thanks for sharing your beautiful family with us❤
    Side note: I never won the Ugg slippers ??, but finally ordered a pair and they were delivered yesterday. Awwww? I’m a happy girl now!! I love them~

  10. Sheaffer Sims says

    Is it weird that I think Ashby and Smith look alike in that last picture? Because they totally do. 🙂

  18. Meagan Ruse says

    You did it!!!!! Yay!!!! You are so right that about it feeling like two different shows. I thought the very same thing. I loved it, but it was a long one. Phew! Now go enjoy GG- XOXO ? And then we’ll all have to go to NYC!

  19. Valerie says

    Love, love, love Gossip Girl! I remember seeing a picture of Kensington wearing those antlers when she was looking at a picture of Ashby in China on the computer…so fun to see Ashby wearing them now!

  20. Sara says

    I love Gossip Girl!! Currently watching it for a 2nd time! Next up, you should check out Hart of Dixie! Is shorter, only 4 seasons, but cute and funny.

  21. Kristen Wood says

    Love your sweet kiddos! Just a side note–ashbys hands looks really good in those pictures. It looks like it is improving! Hope y’all have a fabulous weekend!

  22. Holly Hopkins says

    There is one episode of One Tree Hill that will haunt me FOREVER… the babies in the car….ugh…shudder… scary.

  23. Lina says

    Such a sweet post. I laughed at the diploma remark. I’m trying to finish Gilmore girls right (there are so many episodes per season). But now that I’m close to the end, i kinda don’t want it to end! So silly, I know! Side note: we’re having our home study on Monday. Please pray for us, Shay! ?

  24. Amanda says

    Ugh. Chuck Bass gets all he heart eyed emojis. I so wish I could go back and watch gossip girl for the first time.

  25. Megan Patterson says

    I binge watched Gossip Girl for like 3 weeks! Can’t wait to hear what you think about it. I’ll keep my opinion to myself until you finish.

  26. Kelly says

    It’s funny, when my boyfriend and I first got Netflix back in September/October, the first thing we watched was OTH…and then you blogged about starting. And then we immediately started Gossip Girl. Now we’re season 2 into Lost. You’ll have to keep us updated on how you like GG!

  27. heidi says

    I got so addicted to gossip girl! !!.. you will love it
    Kensington s hair is soo cute. She’s looking so grown up!

  28. Alexis deZayas says

    Kensington looks just like you in the selfie in the car between basketball games! Too cute!

  30. Amanda Wilson says

    That game the middles invented looks an awful lot like hockey which this Canadian mama has to love!!!!!! ❤️??

  31. Lizzie @ This Happy Life says

    I bet it’s so fun to watch the dynamics of all your kids!! Seems like your house is full of so much fun!

  32. Christine says

    Gossip Girl is the BEST. Give it 4-5 episodes and then BAM it happens. Chuck Bass is the BEST!

  33. Carly M says

    Gossip Girl #hearteyes #CHUCKBASS

    Hopefully no one ruins anything for you! What an adventure you’re about to start!

  34. Kari George says

    If you want a change from the teeny bopper shows you should watch The Crown on Netflix. It is fantastic!

  35. Natalie Clark says

    Oh, One Tree Hill!! I may need to rewatch it now. I watched it in high school when it came on, but I don’t think I could tell you how it ended. I guess I never got that far! Now, Gossip Girl on the other hand! LOVE!! I watched it last year, and it’s a bit like One Tree Hill, where you’re wondering when in the world you’ll finish it, but it ends fabulously too!!

  36. Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says

    The girls’ haircuts are so cute! I also think Smith’s shirt is very clever for 100 day. I’m happy for you that you finished OTH!! I watched it in real time so it didn’t feel so daunting, but I agree, it was two different shows in a way. The ending was perfect too, glad you agree 🙂 GG is so good in a different way. #TeamBlair
    xo
    Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams 

  38. Abbie says

    Good choice on Gossip Girl! Last year I decided to go back and start from the beginning because I had never finished it and loved it!! I didn’t know what to do with myself when I finished, I missed the characters ha. I’m in search of a new show to watch right now and I can’t decide.

  40. Krysta says

    Gossip Girl is sooooo good!! You will be addicted. And I agree with the majority, Chuck Bass is <3

  41. Jean Kronzer says

    The cool thing about having 4 kids is we’re always our own party. We never needed to transport in lots of friends to have plenty going on. Also and they’ve gotten older they turn to different siblings for different things…their sister for fashion and music advice, one for money advice, one for sports advice and to the youngest if they need to tell a secret to someone who won’t tell a soul!!!! Their relationships with each other are very important to me. It makes my heart so happy to see that with your children too!! Great job Mom!

  43. Lana B says

    Kensington playing basketball in wedges is probably my favorite of those pics! Girls can do anything, and still never lose the glamour! 😉

  45. Keisha M Dawson says

    I had the exact same thoughts about OTH! The best ending to a show ever! I started Gossip Girls a few weeks ago, but I’m only 8 episodes in. I’ll be down for a few days next month, so I’m hoping to watch as much as I can in between naps!

  47. Nicole in WI says

    I am on season 5 of OTH. I started watching by myself, but my husband caught enough of them that now he is hooked and won’t let me watch without him. He also thinks it feels like a different show. 🙂

    Your posts almost make me want one more kiddo – because 3 is tough! But I can’t imagine starting with a little one again. They are finally getting to the less needy age and I am loving it! (8,6 and 6!)

  48. Stacey says

    You should watch the show Suits. It is so good and there are something like 7 seasons and it’s still on tv. I have no idea how it took me so long to find it!

  49. Kristen says

    Trolls soundtrack on repeat at our house too! We all randomly just bust out a “HAIR UP!” haha! Looks like the perfect “life lately”. The simple every day stuff is the best.

  50. Kayla Karnes says

    I had to stop reading and scroll down to leave you a comment; you had me at Gossip Girl! …. O. M. G. Best series I have ever watched! So, so, so good!!! I recommend to everyone and then EVERYone tells me they’re addicted! Its way better than OTH in my opinion!

  51. Jessica says

    This is a totally random observation but are you wearing the Jcrew downtown field jacket in the one photo? Do you love it?

    Also nail polish recommendation for you…Essie Gel Couture. AMAZING

  52. Heather says

    I so prefer GG over OTH. I think it’s because of the reason you stated….OTH just felt like two completely different shows ???? GG was much better beginning to end, enjoy! XOXO

  53. Corbie says

    Loved this post today! I made lots of notes for new show suggestions- yay! I just finished The Good Wife and am ready for another show! I am also just finishing up Mr. Selfridge; I love anything British from PBS!

  54. Taylor Shill says

    One tree hill is my all time favorite show (I also LOVED how it ended!) but gossip girl is a close second! Enjoy!!

  55. Amber Walker says

    Gossip Girl is a favorite!! I loved how that show ended, it was very satisfying for me 🙂

  57. Emily says

    I’m so glad you stuck it out through OTH! There were definitely some rough patched but boy does the ending just make you feel all kinds of happy. And I agree, I never could totally love Quinn. Also I’m loving the girls haircuts, Kensington looks so grown up!

  59. Melissa D. says

    Regarding One Tree Hill…would you say it is appropriate for a 15 1/2 year old to watch? My daughter is wanting to start a new show and we try to monitor our kids’ viewing. Thanks!

    • Mix and Match Mama says

      Oh goodness, I don’t know who this show is for??? The first half is about teenagers, but they’re not exactly role models. I don’t think I would allow my 15 year old to watch it.

  62. Sarah says

    YES, YES, YES! You must watch Gossip Girl! It’s the absolute best. I’ve watched it through twice with no regrets!

  63. Diana says

    I am LOVING Ashby’s skeleton PJ’s with her reindeer headband! Totally made me LOL because my girls do the same thing!

  64. Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says

    I just know that you’re enjoying every second of having a house full of kiddos! And I love how they have paired off! They are just so sweet!

  65. Kelly says

    What a wonderful life! Thank you for sharing your darling family with us. So love you guys♡♡

  66. Marika Scotton says

    GOSSIP GIRL IS THE BEST. Well..I actually read the book series in High School, so when the show came out while I was in College I was so excited. It stays true to the books for the most part, but of course not as much detail. I hope you enjoy it though, 🙂 Also, I am currently midway through season 4 of Gilmore Girls, and LOVEEE it. But…I don’t know how long its going to take me to finish. Maybe I should start waking up at 4:30am too 😛

  68. Detroit Duchess says

    LOVE Gossip Girl XOXO! I can’t wait to hear your take on it. I am contemplating One Tree Hill now. I never saw a single episode of that one but you are convincing me.

  70. Naomi Carpenter says

    OK- I am laughing SO hard at this because I’m finishing the last episode of One Tree Hill AS IM TYPING this…and Gossip Girl is next on my list!!! haha 🙂 #greatmindswatchthesametvshows

  71. Stephanie says

    Loved Gossip Girl! I felt like it was my treat to get to sneak and watch a show late at night after I got the kids to bed. I am on season 3 of OTH!! You have a beautiful family! I love reading your blog. Thanks for sharing!

  74. Kimberly Penson says

    I just showed Smith’s 100 day pic to my little Scout and she said ” Now he is handsome and looks very nice”. In her sweet three year old voice.

  76. Brea says

    Have you ever watched the oc? It reminds me of one tree hill. I binged it after I finished one tree hill a while back….. also, where do you find gossip girl? I couldn’t find it on Netflix.

  77. Lisa Richardson says

    So I watched OTH with my daughter a couple of years ago but didn’t see all the episodes. Then over Christmas she got me watching it again (because she was) and I got hooked. She went back to school and I’ve been watching probably 3 episodes a day…shhhh, don’t tell my husband. He’ll think I’m nuts. Anyway, I’m on season 8. I have to say I’ve loved pretty much all of it and I’ll be sad when I’m done, but dying to finish at the same time. I might try Gossip Girl too. Okay, gotta’ run and squeeze in another episode of OTH before lights out. ?

  78. Kacy Mah says

    Love it! Gossip Girl and OTH are actually the ONLY two shows I’ve ever seen from start to finish/every season and can watch over and over. GG is a more guilty pleasure (Blake Lively is THE BEST) but OTH just makes you feel a million emotions and cry all the time.

  79. Tamra says

    Ahhh! You are going to LOVE Gossip Girl. I could not stop watching it at all! Maybe I should start it over again?! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it!

  80. Amanda Yap-Choong says

    Hi Shay, may be a little late to the party, but have you watched Downton Abbey? It’s quite different to One Tree Hill, but I think you will love it!!

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